The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) recognized its silver anniversary today during an event held in the state Capitol Rotunda.

PASSHE was established when former Gov. Dick Thornburgh signed Act 188 in November 1982, bringing together the 13 former state colleges and Indiana University of Pennsylvania to establish the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. With the stroke of a pen, the 14 state-owned universities came under the umbrella of PASSHE.

PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh was among those on hand in the Capitol to celebrate that event.

“It is an honor to lead PASSHE and to be a part of its next generation,” Dr. Cavanaugh said. “With our rich traditions, outstanding institutions and keen understanding of higher education in the 21^st century, we are positioned to educate thousands of young people and prepare them for life and work.

“Without the foresight of leaders such as Gov. Thornburgh, PASSHE might not exist. I want to thank him and my predecessors, Dr. James H. McCormick and Dr. Judy G. Hample, for establishing a solid foundation on which we can build.”

Others who participated in the event were Kenneth M. Jarin, chairman of PASSHE’s Board of Governors; Guido Pichini, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees, a trustee at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Board of Governors; Ryan Jerico, student government president from California University of Pennsylvania and one of three student members of the Board of Governors; and Dr. Steve Hicks, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

Now in its 25^th year, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with more than 112,500 students. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Approximately 405,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.